Every Original CD Reviewed: The Who
Posted Monday 07/15/2002 1:00 AM in
Back Catalogue
by
Carlo Twist
The brainchild of schnozzy songwriter Pete Townshend, the Who’s overamplified pop and guitar-trashing antics made them stars in Europe from the moment they arrived in 1964. With four distinctive performers (pretty-boy singer, genius guitarist, maniac drummer, stoic bassist) each asserting himself, they always sounded as if they were about to explode. Eventually, that volatility enabled their U.S. breakthrough in the early ’70s and made them one of the greatest bands of all time.BLENDER APPROVED
Who’s Next (1971)
Tommy (1969)
Live at Leeds — Deluxe Edition (1970)
GREAT
The Who Sings My Generation (1965)
The Who Sell Out (1967)
Quadrophenia (1973)
CHECK IT OUT
Who Are You (1978)
Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy (1971)
The Kids are Alright (1979)
Odds & Sods (1974)
BE CAREFUL
The Who By Numbers (1975)
A Quick One (1966)
Magic Bus (1968)
FOR FANS ONLY
Face Dances (1981)
It’s Hard (1982)
Who’s Last (1984)
Who’s Missing (1987)
FURTHER LISTENING
Pete Townshend, Empty Glass
ATCO, 1980
Townshend’s second proper solo album charted his disillusionment after Keith Moon’s death and his anguish over the Who’s slow decline. Adopting a punk spirit renewed the guitarist’s drive and determination.
Standout tracks: “Rough Boys,” “I Am an Animal”
FURTHER READING
Moon: The Life and Death of a Rock Legend
By Tony Fletcher
Harper Entertainment, 1999
A fascinating account of the Who drummer’s troubled life and career. Exhaustive research, countless anecdotes and plenty of humorous flair make this the best Who-related read out there.
FURTHER VIEWING
eelpie.com
Townshend’s personal Web site. A haven for Who fanatics desperate to stay current about the band and its leader’s erratic solo recordings, some of which are, unsurprisingly, sold only via this site.
Pete Townshend, Empty Glass
ATCO, 1980
Townshend’s second proper solo album charted his disillusionment after Keith Moon’s death and his anguish over the Who’s slow decline. Adopting a punk spirit renewed the guitarist’s drive and determination.
Standout tracks: “Rough Boys,” “I Am an Animal”
FURTHER READING
Moon: The Life and Death of a Rock Legend
By Tony Fletcher
Harper Entertainment, 1999
A fascinating account of the Who drummer’s troubled life and career. Exhaustive research, countless anecdotes and plenty of humorous flair make this the best Who-related read out there.
FURTHER VIEWING
eelpie.com
Townshend’s personal Web site. A haven for Who fanatics desperate to stay current about the band and its leader’s erratic solo recordings, some of which are, unsurprisingly, sold only via this site.
